I want a 1911 !! *sigh*

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AdrianVall

New member
Hey all,

Ok guys.. I want a 1911. I am having an unbelievably hard time deciding on what to get. Wow! Soooooooooooo many different choices to choose from. I am so overwhelmed.

My situation. I want to spend no more then $900, tops. Maybe a few bucks more, but that's about my budget. I have fairly smaller sized hands. I wear a size small/medium in mens gloves. Intended purpose is for range time, and home defense. I won't be carrying any time soon, but I'm sure I will eventually. But I am looking for a full size 1911.

I'm having a problem with getting a .45 though. I really do want it, but the added cost to ammo is whats drawing me back a bit. I have a 9mm Hi Point that I shoot, along with my .22's. I had my mind set on buying a Beretta PX4 storm in 9mm. But the more I see these 1911's, the MORE I REALLY want one, and I know that its constantly going to be stuck on my mind, and I'll end up buying one anyway.. My other concern is the reliability with these 1911's. I don't want to buy something that I'm going to have to fix and constantly maintain. I mean, I have no problem with take down and cleaning/oiling, but I just don't want to be replacing parts frequently. However, I do like the customization ability with these guns.

Anyway, suggestions and input would be greatly appreciated. I've been doing a lot of searching and found a GREAT thread on 1911 addicts, the buyers guide. That's helped, but I'd like to hear first hand experience from you guys as this will be my first 1911.

I really liked the Springfield Armory Range Officer, Ruger SR1911, Magnum Research Desert Eagle .45, and held a Kimber raptor series today that was a bit out of my price range, but very nice. What else should I be looking at? I'd love to have a Colt just for the name, and I know they make GREAT stuff, but they can be quite expensive. I already have two Rugers in .22's already, and would kind of like to have a different brand.

Ok, enough rambling. Help me! :(
 
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RickB

New member
I think 9mm 1911s are less reliable than any of the other common chamberings. The gun was designed to run with a cartridge OAL of ~1.25", and so it runs great with .38 super, 10mm, and .45 ACP, but not as well with 9 or .40. That's not to say there aren't lots of 1911s that are running well in all calibers, but the gun is more likely to run well with the longer cartridges.
Frankly, I'd get a .22, if you want the "1911 experience" but you don't want a .45. The GSG 1911s are a very good value.
The Springfield RO is a great value, as is the STI Spartan at a lower price point.
 
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AdrianVall

New member
Although I do love the .22 caliber, I don't want it for my 1911 as I want something for home defense. :) Thanks for the advice though. Greatly appreciate it.
 
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chris in va

New member
Get a RIA for ~$600 and then a basic reloading setup for another $200. A Lee hand press and all the necessary equipment should run under $130.:cool:

Reloading the 45 is absurdly easy, especially with jacketed bullets.
 
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9mm

New member
Rock Island Armory for $600? where do you live -.-.......... You can find them $399 some places!


I went with a basic Springfield armory 1911 SS mil spec. Someday I will get a better one, but for now I am happy with a very nice 1911 for around $750

The gun is well made, was super tight when I got it and now losened up. It will out last me, just a few minor parts I want to change on it. (nooby internal lock)
 
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Micahweeks

New member
My first was the STI Spartan. My second was the Para GI Expert. Both have been excellent. Both are below your price point with enough money for a good belt, holster, and a couple of extra mags.
 
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AdrianVall

New member
I really do like the Springfield, but I.really wanted a stainless slide.. it just looks nice! Lol =)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
 
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Eppie

New member
Hi Adrian,
I understand your pain, I have and continue with the same strugle. Ideally I would like a stainless 9mm 1911 that is as reliable as a Glock with the same ammo capacity. Unfortunately, that animal doesn't seem to exist.

As you read my posting yesterday, I've had bad results with double stack 9mm 1911. The answer seems to be single stack. The problem is that all the single stack 9mm 1911 cost 50% more than a .45 cal. It makes no sense but that's the way it is. To stay within your budget I believe Sprinfield may be the best choice. Right now I'm leaning that way myself.

Regarding the stainless Para GI Expert in .45 cal, I bought that gun six weeks ago and it works flawlessly. A real pleasure to shoot and it cost me slightly over $600 at my LGS. Unfortunately, I took a friend to the range and he tried it, loved it and begged me to sell it to him. In a moment of weakness I did. Now I'm debating whether to buy another.

Someone also mentioned the RIA, if you get one of those, be sure it is stainless. Their black finish is not very durable and will scratch easily.
 
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pilpens

New member
With the ones you listed, SA RO, Ruger, MR, and Kimber, I would go with the Springfield RO.
The range officer where I shoot has a SA RO. He has replaced the front sight with Fiber Optic and the Hammer Spring with a 19lb spring. The pistol has a very nice trigger feel and is accurate (shot mostly at 15 yards).
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IMO, the best deal on Kimbers is their lower end models or maybe the lower end model with checkered front strap.
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I have only seen the Ruger and MR at the stores, I do not like the way they look compared to the others.
 
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orionengnr

New member
I'll give you my .02, and won't even charge you. :)

Keep an eye on the For Sale segment of this board (and others). You may find something local (or at least within reasonalbe driving distance) which will allow you to meet the seller at a local range and try before you buy. Buying "gently used" with the option to test fire has the potential to save you a fair bit of money.

It should also be legal in FL to do a FTF transaction, which will save you tax. If you do not have your CHL, some sellers may be less than enthusiastic about an FTF with a stranger. Just another reason to get your CHL :)

Have any range buddies who are 1911-knowledgeable? If not, time to make some?
 
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erob3

New member
I have owned both .45's and 9mm's in 1911's. I much prefer a 9mm for a multitude of reasons; less recoil making it more enjoyable to shoot, cheaper ammo, good self defense ammo available, can be found in just about any configuration possible. I understand there are .45 1911 purists and I respect that but that does not diminish the fact that the 1911 in 9mm is a great pistol.....it is. I currently have three 9mm 1911's and all have been great with no problems. It was mentioned earlier what about a SS 9mm 1911, take a look at the S&W 1911 9mm Pro Series. Excellent pistol and great trigger right out of the box, a good condition used one can be found for the price point you are wanting to spend. The best bargain for the money, it's hard to beat a Rock Island Tactical 1911 9mm, mine has been flawless. I have never owned an STI but I have read many good things about their pistols, one thing though, their frames are Rock Island frames. :rolleyes: Hmmmm, must be something to the Rock Islands for them to do that. The Springfield RO is a very good pistol. I owned a Springfield Mil-Spec SS, it gave no problems but the trigger was horrible out of the box. After I did a trigger job it was a pleasure to shoot. For the money, the Ruger is fantastic. If it weren't for the fact that I made a nice profit on mine I would still have it. Truly American made, Tactical version, good trigger, just and overall nice 1911. Look around, there are several options available and I'm sure you will find what your looking for. Hope that helps. Good Luck.
 
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Smit

New member
Do more research. I am guilty of getting too anxious and buying a 1911 out of pure excitement. I love my 1911, dont get me wrong, but I feel that If i knew then what i know now I may have saved up for something else. Take your time, try to get to a store where you can hold a few and see what you like. Good Luck.
 
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AdrianVall

New member
I have owned both .45's and 9mm's in 1911's. I much prefer a 9mm for a multitude of reasons; less recoil making it more enjoyable to shoot, cheaper ammo, good self defense ammo available, can be found in just about any configuration possible. I understand there are .45 1911 purists and I respect that but that does not diminish the fact that the 1911 in 9mm is a great pistol.....it is. I currently have three 9mm 1911's and all have been great with no problems. It was mentioned earlier what about a SS 9mm 1911, take a look at the S&W 1911 9mm Pro Series. Excellent pistol and great trigger right out of the box, a good condition used one can be found for the price point you are wanting to spend. The best bargain for the money, it's hard to beat a Rock Island Tactical 1911 9mm, mine has been flawless. I have never owned an STI but I have read many good things about their pistols, one thing though, their frames are Rock Island frames. Hmmmm, must be something to the Rock Islands for them to do that. The Springfield RO is a very good pistol. I owned a Springfield Mil-Spec SS, it gave no problems but the trigger was horrible out of the box. After I did a trigger job it was a pleasure to shoot. For the money, the Ruger is fantastic. If it weren't for the fact that I made a nice profit on mine I would still have it. Truly American made, Tactical version, good trigger, just and overall nice 1911. Look around, there are several options available and I'm sure you will find what your looking for. Hope that helps. Good Luck.
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Great, great post. Thanks so much. However, the problem is.. now you just made me even MORE indecisive on whether or not to get 9mm or .45 !! damn it.. haha! I'll look into that S&W pro series.

Do more research. I am guilty of getting too anxious and buying a 1911 out of pure excitement. I love my 1911, dont get me wrong, but I feel that If i knew then what i know now I may have saved up for something else. Take your time, try to get to a store where you can hold a few and see what you like. Good Luck.
Click to expand...

That's what I'm trying to do.. I've been doing non stop reading and researching every night.. lol, my lady is getting annoyed! Haha! But I have a gun show this weekend, so we'll see what pops up this weekend. :)
 
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vaskeet

New member
If you can live without stainless the sti spartan is great mine is more accurate than my springfield black stainless target at 1/2 the price Randy
 
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Tactical Jackalope

New member
1911 in .45ACP

Don't start messing around now...lol get the original first. Draw your own conclusions on it. A 1911 in .45ACP is for fun in my opinion. Capacity wise for home defense and self defense is pointless. Awesome range gun. But if you wanna go 1911 for your first gun. .45ACP bub.

Which?

Colt, Springfield, SIG 1911 is what I've got. Love them all. The SIG 1911 has been flawless. Can't say the same for my Colt's. One is a competition Colt and the other (the 70 series) is getting repaired. When it comes back though, it will be a beast.

I like Kimber...everyone has veered me away from them. With various reasons and trials and tribulations. However, as I say...better to draw your own conclusion. I do it all the time. Risky at times yes. But fun :)

SIG
Colt
Dan Wesson
Springfield Armory


Dan Wesson



did I mention Dan Wesson?
 
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